The effectiveness of spinal mobilisation in the treatment of low back pain: A single case study

Abstract

An ABAB single case study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of Maitland spinal mobilisation techniques in the treatment oflumbar back pain. Left-side lumbar flexion was taken as the dependent variable. It was predicted that implementation of treatment would result in an increase in left-side lumbar flexion not seen when treatment was withdrawn. This prediction is supported by the data collected. It was concluded that Maitland spinal mobilisation techniques were effective in the short-term treatment of low back pain, although it was suggested that further studies should re-examine subjects at set periods following termination of treatment to assess long-term effects.